Most mainstream BMW models have a life span of approximately seven years with the Bavarian automaker releasing a mid-life cycle facelift in the third or fourth year after a car’s introduction onto the market to keep buyers interested.
The same appears to hold true in the case of the second generation of BMW’s X3 crossover (also known by its internal codename F25), that went on sale in 2010.
Our photographers captured a lightly camouflaged prototype of the updated X3 while engineers were testing the crossover model in Europe.
The placement of the plastic wraps tell us that the main exterior changes will be limited to the headlamp fixtures along with the design of the front and rear bumpers, and possibly the size and shape of BMW’s double kidney grille.
As an early test car, BMW may not have opened all of its cards yet, meaning we may see some additional tweaks to other areas such as the tail lamp design and mirrors, but nothing radical.
Much like the recent facelifts of the smaller X1 crossover and the 7-Series sedan, the updated X3 will probably feature upgrades to the interior and the chassis as well.
There’s nothing official on the introduction date of the 2014MY X3 yet, but next year’s Geneva Salon in March could be a prime candidate for its world premiere.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoop
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